Turkish workers face uncertain future

Attempts to reform nationality laws met protests

By Berlin correspondent Rob Broomby

Forty years ago a deal was signed, allowing Turkish guest workers to come to the country for a limited time period.

Turkey needed money and Germany needed labour.

It was a simple agreement, but it changed German society for ever.

To commemorate the occasion, Germany's Turkish community has been holding a series of celebrations marking the arrival of the first guest workers in the country.

Key role

Turkish workers played a key role in re-building Germany's shattered industry after World War II.

Four decades later the confidence of that community has now grown, despite lingering reservations by the host nation.

Families could not join guest workers until the 1970s

Many now see the country as their home, and since the 1960s the population has grown to more than two million. However, the host nation has not always been clear about their status.

For example, guest workers could not bring their families to live with them in Germany until the 1970s.

Furthermore, in recent years, attempts to reform Germany's nationality laws to improve the workers' status were watered down after the Christian Democrats fought an angry election campaign against the changes in the State of Hessen.

But many have now put down roots and started businesses, opening shops and restaurants - even filling stations. It is these firms which are hosting most of the anniversary celebrations.

Many companies have opened their doors to the public, with Turkish-owned restaurants putting on special cultural programmes and serving free tea.

But the celebrations come at a time of tension in Germany.

The attacks on America have kickstarted a debate over internal security . And the news that a cell of Islamic militants helped plan the attacks from German soil have shocked the nation.

The calls for greater cultural integration have given way to calls for greater security.